Main purpose of the job:

The LA will:

• Work with class teachers to enhance the learning and raise attainment of pupils.
• Promote pupils’ independence, self-esteem and social inclusion.
• Give support to pupils, individually or in groups, so they can access the curriculum, take part in learning and experience a sense of achievement.

Duties:

Teaching and learning

• Demonstrate an informed and efficient approach to teaching and learning by adopting relevant strategies to support the work of the teacher and improve the learning of all pupils.
• Promote, support and facilitate inclusion by encouraging participation of all pupils in learning activities.
• Support the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at pupils achieving their full potential in all areas of learning.
• Use effective behaviour management strategies consistently in line with the school’s policy and procedures.
• Support class teachers with maintaining good order and discipline among pupils, managing behaviour effectively to ensure a productive and safe learning environment.
• Organise and manage teaching spaces and resources to help maintain a stimulating and safe learning environment.
• Observe pupil performance and share observations on to the class teacher.
• Supervise a class if the teacher is temporarily unavailable.
• Use ICT skills to advance pupils’ learning.
• Support class teachers in assessing prospective pupils.
• To cover and lead class, group or individual teaching (under supervision) as and when appropriate.
• Undertake any other relevant duties given by the class teacher.

Planning

• Contribute to effective assessment and planning by supporting the monitoring, recording and reporting of pupil performance and progress.
• Read and understand lesson plans shared prior to lessons.
• Prepare the classroom/shared area for lessons.
• Use area of expertise to contribute to the planning and preparation of learning activities, and to plan your role in learning activities.
• Devise clearly structured activities that interest and motivate learners and advance their learning, if required.
• Plan how to support the inclusion of pupils in the learning activities, if required.

Working with staff and parents/carers

• Communicate effectively with other staff members and pupils.
• Communicate your knowledge and understanding of pupils to other school staff and so that informed decision making can take place on intervention and provision.
• Contribute to meetings with parents and carers by providing feedback on pupil progress, attainment and barriers to learning, to the class teacher.
• Understand your role in order to be able to work collaboratively with classroom teachers and other colleagues.
• Develop effective professional relationships with colleagues.

Health and safety

• Promote the safety and wellbeing of pupils and help to safeguard pupils’ wellbeing by following the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and our school’s child protection policy.
• Look after children who are upset or have had accidents.
• Promote health and safety by checking and ensuring the areas in which you work are safe and hygienic.

Professional development

• Keep your own knowledge and understanding relevant and up to date by reflecting on your own practice, liaising with school leaders, and identifying relevant professional development to improve personal effectiveness.
• Take opportunities to build the appropriate skills, qualifications, and/or experience needed for the role, with support from the school.
• Take part in the school’s appraisal procedures.

Other areas of responsibility

Safeguarding

• Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education) and our safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Promote the safeguarding of all pupils in the school.

The Learning Assistant will be required to follow school policies and the staff code of conduct.